A fresh report by Nigeria’s foremost DNA centre, Smart DNA, has revealed that **one in four paternity tests in the country still returns negative**, underscoring persistent anxieties around family trust and parenthood.
The **2025 Annual DNA Testing Report**, released on Sunday in Lagos, showed that while the figure dropped slightly from 27 per cent in 2024, it remains a striking indicator of entrenched paternity concerns in Nigerian society.
According to the report, **men initiated nearly 90 per cent of all paternity tests**, compared to just 11.8 per cent by women. Firstborn children were the most affected, with **firstborn sons recording the highest discrepancy rate at 64 per cent**.
Beyond family disputes, the report noted a sharp rise in immigration-related DNA testing, which jumped to 13.1 per cent of all cases between July 2024 and June 2025. This was largely linked to families seeking documentation for relocation abroad and securing “second passport” options for their children.
Elizabeth Digia, Smart DNA’s Operations Manager, described the trend as a wake-up call for policymakers. She highlighted Nigeria’s lack of specific paternity fraud laws—unlike South Africa—leaving men vulnerable after years of raising children who may not be biologically theirs.
She urged lawmakers to close the legal gap while advocating for DNA testing to be integrated into **family healthcare programs and premarital counselling**.
“Misconceptions remain widespread. Many believe DNA testing is only for the wealthy or assume physical resemblance is proof of paternity. Our role is to provide certainty through accurate testing, while encouraging sensitive handling of this life-changing information,” Digia said.
